Two struggling teams, Liverpool and Crystal Palace, will hope to rejuvenate their form when they clash in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Liverpool's form has taken a stride; the reigning Premier League champions are struggling after their impressive start to their campaign. Arne Slot's side thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League before going down 2-3 to Brentford in their recent Premier League clash; it was their fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament.
On the flip side, Crystal Palace has been going through a terrible run of form after the end of their record 19-match unbeaten streak. The Eagles are winless in their last four outings across all competitions. The reigning FA Cup winners were held to a 0-1 defeat by the Premier League leaders, Arsenal, last time out.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which offers a FREE trial, so new subscribers can enjoy it for one week before making a payment.
Midfielder Curtis Jones had withdrawn before Liverpool's recent Premier League clash against Brentford, with an unspecified issue midway through the latter half. However, Slot has assured that the 24-year-old does not have any serious issues currently.
Alexander Isak (groin) and Ryan Gravenberch (ankle) remain doubtful for this EFL Cup clash, as they are yet to gain their full fitness, while Alisson Becker (hamstring), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), and Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) will remain sidelined with their injuries.
Slot is likely to make few changes to the lineup in the absence of their key players; third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and Scottish right-back Calvin Ramsay are likely to get in the starting XI on Wednesday.
Liverpool predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Woodman (GK) -- Ramsay, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson -- Endo, Mac Allister -- Chiesa, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha -- Ekitike.
Eddie Nketiah -- Palace's hero against Liverpool in the Premier League clash -- is pushing for a start against Liverpool, and Nathaniel Clyne is also in queue to get a start in the final XI on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Benitez (GK) -- Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi -- Clyne, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa -- Esse, Devenny -- Nketiah.